The FSAI has produced a detailed guidance document, Guidance Note No. 18: Validation of Product Shelf-life (Revision 2), outlining agreed best practice to be used by food businesses to determine product shelf-life. Do I need to have my food product tested in a laboratory?
Laboratory based food product tests are predominately used to make the critical decisions regarding food safety and shelf-life. It is good practice to verify product safety and shelf-life periodically as subtle changes can arise in products over time. Samples of food products may also be taken by food business operators at different points in the distribution chain or on foot of customer complaints and tested to verify the foods safety and shelf-life.

What must be considered when determining shelf-life for ready-to-eat foods that support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes? The food business could also, as necessary:
FOODSAFETY_GOVT_NZ - Guidance Document: How to Determine the Shelf Life of Food. JO SENAT 09/01/14 Réponse à question N°07972 Manque de clarté sur la date limite de consommation - 14 ème législature. Question écrite n° 07972 de M.